β-Chloropropiophenone reduction in dimethylformamide on Pt

β-Chloropropiophenone (β-Cl-ppone) reduction in dimethylformamide (DMF) on platinum electrode has been studied using potassium perchlorate (KClO4) or tetra-n-butylammonium tetrafluoroborate ((Bun)4NBF4) as background electrolyte. Voltammetric and surface sensitive Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR) experiments have been carried out and it has pointed out the presence of an inactivation process in the reduction of the β-chloropropiophenone on a Pt electrode. Although the inactivation process occurs in both cases, the use of KClO4 or (Bun)4NBF4 presents a significant different behavior in the reduction process. The influence of same variables such as β-chloropropiophenone, water or oxygen concentration have been studied and rotating electrode experiments have been made in order to conclude the best reaction conditions. The inactivation process is strongly determined by the electrode potential. The inactivation of the electrode surface is held at initial potential, including under forced convection conditions, however it disappears at high electrode potential, in contact with atmosphere and at open circuit during long or shorter time with the help of convection. The effect of a high power, low frequency ultrasonic field in the reduction process has been investigated. The intensity of the ultrasonic field and the influence of the working electrode–emitter surface gap have been studied but did not avoid the inactivation process.